No Liberal Bass bid for Rosemary Armitage

FORMER Launceston deputy mayor Rosemary Armitage has rejected overtures from the Liberal Party to join the party's Bass ticket for the March 20 State election.

Alderman Armitage confirmed yesterday she had been approached by the party but today said she wouldn't be taking up the offer.

"I am flattered by the offer, but given that I have recently gone through the arduous task of an election campaign, combined with my independent status, I have come to the only decision that I can in good conscience make," Alderman Armitage said.

She was narrowly defeated by Mayor Albert van Zetten for the top Launceston City Council post at the recent local government elections.

Alderman Armitage is among a number of prominent Northern women being canvassed to fill the Liberal's Bass ticket following Opposition educdation spokesman Sue Napier's announcement on Monday she was retiring from politics for health reasons.